Jordan has taken a bold step to make its roads safer with the ratification of a new drink-driving law that meets World Health Organization (WHO) best practice criteria.
With technical support from WHO, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan introduced legislation that lowers the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for the general population, bringing the country closer to global standards that save lives.
Drinking and driving significantly increases the risk and severity of road crashes. In low- and middle-income countries, where 92% of road deaths occur , between 33% and 69% of drivers killed in crashes have consumed alcohol.
"Jordan's landmark drink-driving law is a major step forward in efforts to reduce road deaths," said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan. "This builds on the commendable progress in reducing preventable road fatalities in recent years. Looking forward, WHO is here to help implement the new law and advance road safety however we can."
With an estimated 1514 road traffic fatalities each year and a fatality rate of 13.6 deaths per 100,000 population, Jordan is slightly below the global average of 15 deaths per 100,000 population. Yet while road deaths are declining, the country faces challenges related to legislation around speed limits, seatbelt use, child restraints, helmet use and impaired driving.
The adoption of the new law follows extensive engagement with WHO, including a series of consultations with countries across the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region that focused on developing laws that address key road user behaviours.
The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 notes 166 countries report having drink-driving laws, yet only 53 UN Member States meet all three WHO best practice criteria. This requires countries to have a drink-driving law in place, to set blood alcohol concentration at 0.05 grams or below per decilitre for the general population and at 0.02 grams per decilitre or below for novice drivers. Jordan's new law meets two of the three criteria.
With WHO support, efforts will focus on ensuring the law is effectively implemented, properly enforced and clearly communicated to enforcement authorities and the public. The WHO Drink-Driving Manual for Decision Makers notes that laws must be evidence-based, context-relevant and supported by robust enforcement and public awareness to save lives.
"Jordan's progress demonstrates what is possible when leadership, evidence and commitment come together. With the new drink-driving law in place, the country is taking meaningful action to protect lives and build a safer future on its roads," said Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan.
